A PROGRAMME aimed at helping identify more drug-misusing offenders within the criminal justice system has been introduced in Wrexham.

Suspects entering the custody suite for certain offences will be required to undergo a drugs test for heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine as part of the Tough Choices Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP).

Suspects found to have the presence of drugs will face a mandatory initial assessment, followed by an assessment with a drugs worker.

Those charged and appearing before a court may face conditions on their bail .

Insp Iestyn Davies, DIP strategic lead for North Wales Police, said: “Drug-misusing offenders will have the opportunity to engage in treatment and this may be part of their bail.

Failure to comply with the conditions of their bail may result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

“By facilitating their engagement and retention in treatment, these measures will reduce the amount of crime committed by offenders in order to fund their drug misuse.”

He added: “The Drug Intervention Programme provides an opportunity for everyone to win – drug-misusing offenders get help through treatment and support, communities suffer less crime and the taxpayer saves money as criminal justice costs are reduced.”

Officers will use a mouth swab in a drug-testing device similar to a breathalyser. The machine then analyses the chemical content of saliva.